Legends tournament aims to raise money for halfway house

Playing for West Bay in the last Clash of the Legends were, from left, Ivan Farrington, Brent Hydes and Ivan Ebanks Jr. - PHOTOS: JAMES WHITTAKER

Politicians, sports stars and community activists are lacing up their boots once again for the latest round of the Clash of the Legends charity football fundraiser in West Bay.

All money raised in the three-match series on Monday, Nov. 14, goes to the Hope for Today Foundation, which helps recovering drug and alcohol addicts stay substance-free and transition to normal life after prison.

This time the women will get their chance to shine with a select XI of Bodden Town and George Town female players taking on a West Bay select at 5 p.m.

A West Bay over-’40s men’s XI will take on East End immediately afterward, followed by the Bodden Town men’s team versus George Town’s men’s team.

Past and former politicians in the lineups include Mark Scotland and Osbourne Bodden for Bodden Town and Deputy Governor Franz Manderson for West Bay.

The event will also feature a fun day for kids from 2 p.m. with a bouncy castle and food and drinks at the Ed Bush Stadium.

Ryan Bush shows his skills on the playing field.

Lobster Pot restaurant and Junk recycling firm are the headline sponsors for the event, which is one of the primary sources of funding for the halfway house in West Bay.

Brent Hydes, who runs the foundation and who will turn out for West Bay, said the money raised is invaluable in keeping the charity up and running.

“The money we get from these games is what keeps us going. It keeps the lights on and helps pay the bills and puts some money in the kitty for the future.

“We hope people will come out have a good time, enjoy the football and maybe donate a few dollars.

“It is a community effort and we are grateful to everyone that comes out to play or to watch and recognizes the importance of what we do.”

The foundation operates a house in West Bay for up to eight recovering addicts, providing the structure to stay substance-free and provide assistance in finding work and accommodation after a spell in prison. It relies on donations and fundraising to operate.

Mr. Hydes said he has been practicing in the church soccer league and is keen to show off his skills for West Bay against East End.